Stromness Golf Course with a view beyond to the Island of Hoy, Mainland, Orkney

Fishing boats berthed at Stromness Harbour, Mainland, Orkney

From folk music to sporting events, Orkney boasts an array of events and festivals throughout the year. Join the locals at a ceilidh, run an island half-marathon or discover your ancestry on the isles - there are plenty of opportunities to get involved.

Celebrate local wildlife at the Orkney Nature Festival with boat trips to uninhabited islands, seabird cruises and heritage walks, or watch as horses and riders parade via Scapa beach at the Riding the Marches event in August.

Annual agricultural shows are popular and give a great insight into life on the isles where farmers exhibit, compete and socialise with stock showing, judging, show jumping, a variety of stands, stalls and much more. The shows end with the grand Orkney County Show in Kirkwall, where the finest animals, arts, crafts and entertainment can be enjoyed.